I am very interested in buying a 2002 M3 Convertible. I was hoping to get some advice from those that know this car. It's in excellent shape, has 59k miles on it. The current owner is the 2nd owner that is selling it to start his own business and needs the $$. It's white on red with a black soft top. He has done all the manufactures suggested maintenance.
I was hoping someone could direct me in what questions I should ask. As I'm new to the BMW family and am excited to become a member. Are there any quirks I should be aware of? Or places on the car that are trouble spots that I need to ask about.
He said he needs $16K was asking $18k ive talked him down. He's throwing in 4 new snow tires/rims with the deal. It's the manual with SMG
Any info/guidance would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

itscoo2pyopants

02-05-2013 11:01 PM

There's no such thing as "manual with smg".. It's smg.

Inspection II is due at 60k miles (which should include a valve adjustment). Can get a little pricey if your taking into the shop. Def make sure it has good service records and get a PPI at a reputable shop before you purchase it. Make sure they inspect the subframe for any cracks, vanos for any noise (if possible visual inspection of the hub tabs, bolts, etc).

You probably already know the smg has it's problems especially in the early years.

You can expect some suspension components having some wear (Fcab, control arms, rtab), my alternator went out at 62k, cooling system at 82k miles. Also make sure that he used the correct fluids. You'd be surprised how many people use the wrong engine oil (I read a craiglist ad the other day "oil changed every 3k miles with mobil one synthetic"...)

Other than that sounds like a nice car, good color combo. If there's anything sketchy about the maintenance, do yourself a favor and look for another car. And if there's no proof something's been done.. It prob wasn't

itscoo2pyopants

02-05-2013 11:03 PM

FYI I bought my 2002 manual with 62k miles on it 3 years ago for 17k

Haitoman

02-13-2013 01:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MMH2009
(Post 7359929)

Hi Guys,

I am very interested in buying a 2002 M3 Convertible. I was hoping to get some advice from those that know this car. It's in excellent shape, has 59k miles on it. The current owner is the 2nd owner that is selling it to start his own business and needs the $$. It's white on red with a black soft top. He has done all the manufactures suggested maintenance.
I was hoping someone could direct me in what questions I should ask. As I'm new to the BMW family and am excited to become a member. Are there any quirks I should be aware of? Or places on the car that are trouble spots that I need to ask about.
He said he needs $16K was asking $18k ive talked him down. He's throwing in 4 new snow tires/rims with the deal. It's the manual with SMG
Any info/guidance would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

You will know instinctively if it has been looked after. In general, it is only cars that are thrashed by a previous owner that have any real issues. There are exceptions of course as with any car...

Pinecone

02-17-2013 01:29 PM

Check the rear subframe mounting areas. They are known to crack/tear. It is not a huge fix, but it needs to be done.